Understand Your Rights as a Renter
You do have rights that should be respected, especially if you fulfill your own responsibilities as a tenant. Many of your rights and responsibilities will be spelled out in the lease (another reason to read it CAREFULLY before signing).
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You must also pay your rent on time and give adequate notice before you move out; otherwise the landlord can use your deposit to cover unpaid rent. If the full security deposit isn’t returned, you have the right to receive an itemized list of any deductions. In some states, the deposit must be returned with interest within a certain number of days. Check your state law! (See box on the next page.)
Do I have a right to get my full security deposit back?
Does my landlord need to ask permission to enter my apartment/house?
Your security deposit should be returned in full if you vacate the unit in the condition it was in when you took occupancy. This means repairing damage (including any done by a pet) and cleaning the unit thoroughly (or having it professionally cleaned) when you move out.
In general, you have the right to live undisturbed in your rental home and typically a landlord must give 24 hours’ notice, in writing, along with a valid reason to enter (for example, to make a repair). Check to see if there is a “privacy clause” in your lease. State law will define the exact rules.
